Shadow Minister for Territory Families, Joshua Burgoyne, says the Fyles Government is failing Territorians at catastrophic rates, with the latest crime statistics a damning indictment on Labor’s failed policies to combat escalating violence and property damage.
“Government’s number one priority should be to keep Territorians safe. The fact there have been 18,966 victims of assault, domestic violence-related assault, alcohol-related assault and sexual assault across the NT in the 12 months to the end of April proves Labor has completely abandoned community safety.
“The astronomical rate of commercial break ins and house break ins is disgraceful. Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs have been particularly hard hit, with commercial break ins up 84%, 94% and 75%, respectively.
“The new Chief Minister couldn’t bring herself to mention crime or community safety in her opening statement at Estimates on Tuesday, and refused to say why she wouldn’t take back the police portfolio – which traditionally sits with the Chief Minister. That is shameful.
“The new Police Minister, and Minister for Territory Families, will face Estimates this Monday. This is Kate Worden’s chance to finally outline a new direction for government and new strategies to deal with escalating violence and criminal damage right across the NT. Unfortunately, with Labor’s track record, Territorians don’t have much faith that will happen.
“Police can’t continue to shoulder the burden of escalating and unsustainable levels of violence and crime. Why are they the only agency working 24/7 to combat this crime crisis?
“A CLP Government will put the rights of victims above the rights of offenders, deal with recidivist offending by setting a presumption against bail for both repeat adult and youth offenders, reinstate breach of bail conditions as an offence for youths, establish a purpose-built ‘Sentenced to a Skill’ boot camp for Alice Springs. “We will return youth justice to Corrections so that Territory Families can focus on its core function – the care and protection of children, launch an urgent review into the Banned Drinker Register and scrap the minimum floor price,” said Mr Burgoyne.
ENDS